Chapter 9.30
BUILDING MASS PROVISIONS
Sections:
9.30.030 Allowable height projections.
9.30.010 Height limits.
A. Measures of Building Height on Sloping Terrain. In any zone, where a building is erected on sloping terrain, the height of the building shall be measured from the highest adjoining ground surface level at the base of the building. Above this measuring point, the building may not exceed the height limit prescribed in the zone, nor contain more than the permitted number of stories. With this top level as the high point above all other portions of the same building, any portion of such building rising from a lower part of the slope may have one and one-half stories more than the number of stories permitted in the zone.
B. Building Height on Other Than Sloping Terrain. Where a building is erected on land not classified as sloping terrain, the height of the building shall be measured from the ground level grade.
C. Structures Above Height Limit or Adjusted Height Limit. The following structures may be established above the height limit permitted in the zone, except that such structures shall not be allowed above the height limit for the purpose of providing additional floor area. The height of such structures need not be included in measuring the height of a building supporting said structure:
1. Penthouses or roof structures for the housing of elevators; and
2. Stairways, tanks, air conditioning, ventilating fans or similar equipment required to operate and maintain the building; and
3. Fire or parapet walls, skylights, towers, steeples, flagpoles, signs and sign structures, chimneys, smokestacks, receiving antennas, water tanks, silos, and other similar structures. (Ord. 806 § 1, 2007).
9.30.020 Floor-to-area ratio.
A. Adherence to Designated Floor-to-Area Ratio. All buildings hereafter designed or erected, and existing buildings which may be reconstructed, altered, moved or enlarged, may not exceed the floor area ratio indicated for the zone in which said buildings are or may be located except as otherwise provided in subsection (B) of this section.
B. Buildings Located on Zone Boundary Lines. Where buildings hereafter designed or erected, and existing buildings which may be reconstructed, altered, moved or enlarged, are or may be located on a lot or parcel of land divided into two or more zones, then such buildings shall be established in compliance with any prescribed floor area ratio, or the average floor area ratio if more than one ratio applies. Where a height limit applies in one zone and a floor area ratio in another, such building shall be established in compliance with the less restrictive regulation.
C. Floor Area Underground. Floor area included in subsurface floors of a building shall not be counted or included in any determinations based on floor area ratio or lot coverage. (Ord. 806 § 1, 2007).
9.30.030 Allowable height projections.
The following architectural features may be allowed to project above the maximum allowable height of any zone up to 10 feet maximum:
A. Chimneys. However, the chimney may not be larger in horizontal area than 20 square feet where the projection takes place.
B. Emergency/Safety Equipment. Any equipment required by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration); provided, that such equipment is properly screened to the satisfaction of the community development director. (Ord. 806 § 1, 2007).